Guests will meet a community of amazing women working hard to preserve their land and culture
New York, N.Y.– March 3, 2022 – In celebration of International Women’s Day, Insight Vacations, the worldwide leader in premium guided tours, is excited to launch a new 10-day itinerary,Inspiring Iceland, A Women’s-Only Tour as part of its Wander Women series of journeyscreated for women, by women.
The trip will take place in July 2023 offering immersive experiences curated to the interests of female clients through unique Insight Experiences and encountering MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences. Guests will discover Iceland’s incredible natural beauty and traditions. They will journey across the land of fire and ice from the vibrant capital of Reykjavik to the vast plains of Thingellvir, exploring black sand beaches, glacier lakes, waterfalls and floating thermal pools.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #BreaktheBias which supports a gender equal world that is inclusive, diverse and equitable. For the past 12 years, Iceland has topped the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index for gender equality. Forty-seven years ago, Iceland’s women went on strike and took to the streets to fight for equal rights. Five years later, Vigdis Finnbogadottir became president of Iceland and was Europe’s first female president. In addition, she was first woman in the world to be democratically elected as a head of state. Insight Vacations introduces guests to amazing Icelandic women who are dedicated and passionate about sustaining their land and culture.
“For over a decade, Iceland has been recognized by the World Economic Forum as the world’s leading country for gender equality and on International Women’s Day, we support this year’s #BreaktheBias theme as we continue to celebrate women’s achievements and the local women who empower the communities we visit worldwide,” says Ulla Hefel Böhler, Global CEO for Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold. “We are thrilled to be offering our newest Wander Women premium tour to this outstanding destination where over 80% of women make up part of the work force and our female guests will personally meet these inspiring Icelandic women who are creating equal opportunities and resources across their country,” she concluded.
This special women’s-only guided tour is available with limited space and clients are encouraged to book early to secure their spot and join a diverse group of female guests from around the world.
Below are some of the inspiring women guests will spend time with during their journey:
- Agnes Sigurðardóttir, CEO and founder of one of Iceland’s first microbreweries
With limited opportunities for female employment in Árskógssandur, a small community located on the shores of Eyjafjörður fiord, Agnes started the Kaldi microbrewery project in 2006. She wanted to use the clear water from the area to create something unique, to both diversify the local economy and support her family. She now produces quality beer with her husband using water from a spring in Sólarfjall mountain.
- Helga Kristín Torfadóttir, Volcanologist, Geologist and Glacier Guide
An engaging storyteller and educator with her passion for science and nature, Helga is carving a name for herself in a traditionally male dominated field. Guests will meet this expert guide during the Golden Circle Tour. Her expertise takes them to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to the oldest ongoing parliament in the world. Clients will view the renowned hot springs at the Geysir Geothermal Area and the majestic Gullfoss “Golden Falls.”
- Ásta Kristrún Ragnarsdóttir, Author, Musician and Director of Bakkastofa Heritage Museum
Clients will take a storytelling walk with Ásta in the south coast seaside village of Eyrabakki. Ásta and her husband have turned the house in which she and her 19th-century ancestors grew up into an intriguing cultural center. Guests will explore the various outposts including The House, The Maritime Museum, and Kirkjubær or the Old Baiting Shed. They will enjoy stories of Ásta’s family and learn how they coexisted with geysers and volcanoes as neighbors.
Guests will also experience another women-focused excursion:
- Reykjavik Women’s History Walking Tour
They will embark on a guided walking tour of the capital to discover its notable sites and hidden charms, but also to learn about why Iceland is at the forefront of gender equality. Clients will hear anecdotes and stories of fascinating women who have made their mark in Iceland’s history, from the first female settlers to 21st century feminism in Iceland, and the story of Iceland’s own Women’s Day (Konudagur).